England boss Jones axe George Kruis ahead of Australia clash
Marler returns after three-week ban Genge among 10 players released by Jones
LONDON: England boss Eddie Jones has axed George Kruis for Saturday’s showdown with old rivals Australia. Kruis started England’s 21-8 victory over Argentina on Saturday, but the second row forward has paid the price for a disappointing performance.
The 27-year-old Saracens star was released on Tuesday in the latest blow for a player who has suffered a number of form and injury setbacks this year. Kruis was viewed as a key member of the England team as recently as last year’s Six Nations, but he has failed to maintain that progress and was dropped following an errorstrewn performance in the first Test of the British and Irish Lions tour to New Zealand.
Jones has decided to include Charlie Ewels instead of Kruis in the 25-man training squad gathered at their Bagshot base ahead of the Australia Test. Meanwhile, Joe Marler is set to feature against the Wallabies at Twickenham after Ellis Genge was among the 10 players released by Jones.
Marler returns after completing his three-week ban for striking with the elbow and will either start or be named on the bench against Australia, depending on whether Jones decides to reduce Mako Vunipola’s workload.
Alex Lozowski has also been dropped despite appearing as a second-half replacement on Saturday. Lozowksi’s exit means that his Saracens colleague Owen Farrell is likely to be involved against the Wallabies after being rested for Argentina alongside Maro Itoje, who is also poised to make his comeback.
Mike Brown is present among the 25 despite being likely to miss out as he follows the return to play protocols for concussion, as is Jonny May who has made a full return to training following his recovery from a hamstring strain. Jones is due to name his starting lineup tomorrow. — AFP